Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) has established a strong lead at the opening round of the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Men's Golf Championship. The team ended Thursday's round with a score of eight-under-par, creating an eight-stroke gap ahead of their competitors at WeaverRidge Golf Club in Peoria, Illinois.

Griffin Pohl of IWU delivered an impressive performance, recording a five-under-par 67, and currently leads by two strokes. Pohl is scheduled to start the second round on Friday at 10:50 a.m., maintaining a narrow lead over four other players sharing second place—Virgile Gruny from Millikin, Alexander Remahl of North Park, IWU teammate Quinn Clifford, and Jonah Swartz from Wheaton. Notably, Pohl achieved six birdies on Thursday, with four occurring on the back nine.

Despite adverse weather conditions with wet grounds and some rain, the Titans positioned three players among the top six individuals at the conclusion of 18 holes. Clifford is among those tied in second place, while Juney Bai shares the sixth place with Carthage’s Tanner Angelstad, both scoring a one-under-par 71.

Millikin University ended with an even-par score on Thursday, trailing Illinois Wesleyan by eight strokes and holding a nine-stroke lead over third-place Wheaton. Millikin's Luke Bradley finished eighth with an even-par 72, and teammate Mateo Oneglia is tied for 10th after scoring a 73.

The second round of this 54-hole championship will begin on Friday, starting at 8:30 a.m. at WeaverRidge. The initial wave includes players from Carthage, Carroll, and Elmhurst, followed by North Central, Augustana, and North Park at 9:20 a.m. The final group, consisting of IWU, Millikin, and Wheaton, is scheduled for a 10:10 a.m. start.